Obituary-Jack DeLange

Longtime Pagosa Springs community member and resident Jack DeLange died Friday, May 24, as a result of a massive head injury sustained as a result of a collision with a motorist, while he was riding his bicycle. Jack was 74. The accident took place in Leland, N.C., where the DeLanges had spent the winter.

Jack was born on Dec. 27, 1938, in Sparta, Mich., where he attended elementary and high school. He was active in ROTC throughout high school and at the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated in 1959. After college, he became a 2nd lieutenant in the Army. He was a member of the Elite Sharp Shooter Rifle team, traveling throughout the country putting on demonstrations.

In 1964, Jack met the love of his life, Lyn, and the two were married the following year in Austin, Texas. In 1971, they moved to his beloved mountains in Pagosa Springs.

Most local people remember Jack as the head of the Pagosa Area Water Sanitation District. He managed the district for 25 years, retiring in 1997. Much was accomplished with Jack at the helm and the district received several awards and special recognitions.

Jack has been an active, caring member of the Pagosa Springs Rotary Club for the past 32 years, giving him the distinction of holding the longest membership.

In the early ’70s, one of Jack’s many hats was that of Pagosa Springs Fire Chief. For many years, and up until his untimely death, Jack served on many prestigious state and local boards of directors including Special Districts of Colorado and Citizens Bank of Pagosa Springs.

Jack is survived by his wife of 46 years and soul mate, Lyn Delange, daughter Kathy DeLange of Denver and brother Dick DeLange of Chicago, Illinois.

After retirement, Jack and Lyn enjoyed many years of traveling and the arts. Jack’s passion in life, besides Lyn, was sailing on their beautiful boat, “Wind Spirit.” Jack will be remembered as a true gentleman.

There is no service planned at this time. Lyn asks that donations be made in Jack’s name to the Pagosa Springs Humane Society.